Hovering Over Achievement: The Impact of Perception of Helicopter Parenting on Academic Achievement in Young Adults

Abstract

Aim: Helicopter Parenting can be understood as a type of parenting where parents are overly involved in the life of their child, from taking decisions of which sports to play to which company their child should apply. Objective: The aim of the present investigation was to study Perception of Helicopter Parenting and Academic Achievement of College Students. The secondary aim was to study the gender differences in the perception of Helicopter Parenting. The tertiary aim was to study the relationship between Helicopter Parenting and the educational level of parents. Methods and Material: The sample comprised of 300 students (in the age range of 18-21 years). To measure the perception of Helicopter Parenting, Helicopter Parenting Scale (LeMoyne et al., 2011) was used and to assess the Academic Achievement, results of last 2 semesters were taken. Data was analysed using correlation and regression analysis. Descriptive statistics consisting of mean, standard deviation and t test was also used. Results: Negative relationship was observed between perception of Helicopter Parenting (Both Mother and Father) and Academic Achievement (p<.01). No gender differences were found. As the Educational level of the parents increases, the hovering of the parents also increases.